Our HIstory
Our story begins over a century and a half ago in the Vallée de Joux, the birthplace of the Swiss watchmaking industry. Nestled within the awe-inspiring Jura Mountains north of Geneva, it was here in 1836 that a young and industrious engineer named F.L. Grobet envisioned a new era for toolmaking. Grobet invented the first file-cutting machine, revolutionizing the Swiss file production process. Until then, file-making was a fragmented cottage industry. Several years later, Grobet, alongside fellow file makers and visionaries David Borloz and Antoine Glardon, formed the Usines Métallurgiques de Vallorbe. This collaboration not only merged their expertise but also propelled Swiss precision files to international recognition, establishing a foothold for export to industrialized nations across the globe.
In the year 1915, Edward Grobet, the adventurous grandson of our founder, embarked on a bold journey from Vevey, Switzerland, to the bustling streets of New York City. There, on Canal Street, a vibrant hub of the machine tool trade, he established the Grobet File Company of America. This strategic location enabled Grobet to tap into the American industrial boom, and soon, the Swiss-made files became synonymous with unparalleled quality among craftsmen throughout the industrial regions of the United States.
The story took a serendipitous turn in 1940 when Edward Grobet, on a routine banking visit, became acquainted with Jean Robert, a young banker from Vevey. Discovering their shared hometown sparked a connection that soon led to Jean’s appointment at Grobet File Company. With Jean Robert at the helm, the company not only sustained but expanded its reputation for quality, steering Grobet towards new horizons.
By 1943, as the world grappled with the upheavals of war, Jean Robert’s dedication to the Grobet legacy deepened. He acquired the company, ensuring that the Grobet name would continue to resonate with quality and precision. Under his stewardship, the company began to manufacture rotary burs and expanded its distribution of industrial supplies, broadening its scope and solidifying its standing in the marketplace.
The 1950s brought about even more growth. In 1952, recognizing the need to establish a presence in the rapidly increasing Canadian market, Grobet File Company of Canada, Ltd. was founded. This subsidiary solidified Grobet’s foothold in North America, extending its reach beyond the United States. Two years later, the company relocated its American headquarters to Carlstadt, New Jersey, to accommodate its expanding operations.
The 1960s and 1970s were decades of strategic acquisitions, beginning with the purchase of William Dixon Company in 1969, a distributor and manufacturer of jewelry products and brushes. This acquisition not only expanded Grobet’s product range but also consolidated its position in the jewelry tool market. In 1969, Grobet established Scies Miniatures in Vallorbe, Switzerland, to produce miniature saw blades, adding another manufacturing arm under its umbrella.
Throughout the 1970s, Grobet continued to expand through acquisitions such as Denninger Felt Company in 1975, a manufacturer of specialty felt products, and Hammel-Riglander in 1978, a well-known leading distributor of jewelry, watch, and clock tools. That same year, Grobet also opened a manufacturing plant in New Hampshire, demonstrating its commitment to manufacturing within the United States.
The 1980s were marked by significant changes in leadership and ownership. In 1987, the company was purchased by Hammond, Kennedy, Whitney, a move that injected new capital and resources into Grobet. This period also saw the retirement of Jean M. Robert, a pivotal figure in Grobet’s mid-century story. His retirement turned the page to a new chapter of ownership and leadership.
The 1990s were characterized by fierce competition and market consolidation. In 1995, Grobet acquired its major competitor, the Vigor Company, thereby significantly enhancing its market share and product offerings in the jewelry, watch, and clock tool sectors.
Since 2011, Grobet has been under the ownership of the Dyson family, marking a new chapter in its illustrious history. Since acquiring Grobet, the Dyson family has demonstrated a profound commitment to upholding the company’s legacy of excellence while steering it towards future innovations.
Our story reflects a rich tapestry of innovation, vision, and steadfast commitment to quality that has defined Grobet for generations. From the serene Swiss valleys to the dynamic streets of New York, Grobet has not just witnessed history but has crafted tools that have shaped it. As we continue to forge ahead, the spirit of our founders guides us, reminding us that our heritage is not just about where we have been, but where we are going. As we continue to adapt and innovate, the spirit of F.L. Grobet lives on, guiding us towards a future as bright as the past from which we came.